They call her by a new name since we got to Africa but those of you that have been following our team will know her as Jessie. She is the bubbly blonde with the golden smile that you have probably seen in our photos in blogs or on Facebook. You have probably heard the saying,“They walk to the beat of a different drum.”… well, Jessie walks to the beat of her own rock band and encourages others to do the same. I have been blessed to be on the same team as her for the last three months. I'm not sure I have ever met anyone as joyful, full of life or loving as she is.
I speak the truth when I say no language barrier keeps her from showing every bit of love the Father has put inside her. Whether it is like Honduras…getting to know the Policia or making a lasting impact on the boys of Zion's Gate who are trying to make a life off the streets. She “speaks life”, which is usually followed by nervous laughter, to all she encounters. From prostitutes in the brothels of Thailand to the students of YDC in Malaysia, everyone she comes in contact with is instantly her friend.
I think of the smiles on the faces of kids in her English class as she taught them to say “I want a COLD POP!”
She is as real in her struggles and tears as she is in her laughter. I have seen her grow so much already and have grown myself as a side effect of watching her life. When God lays something on her heart she goes for it whether she likes it or not she goes for it. She is someone who loves to connect with people on a deep level and her openness and vulnerability draws out the vulnerability in others. When you speak to Jessie you know she is really listening and is always there to offer support for whatever is going on. It doesn't matter if it is talking about the deep things of God or talking utter nonsense, she is right there to share with you.
Her Rwandan name, Mutessi, means “the favored one” and it isn't hard to see why they chose that for her. She has left a legacy of love and laughter in whatever country we have stepped foot in and those who get to know her are truly blessed. I tell you all this so you will understand her heart at least a little bit. Also, so you can understand what she is to our team. Right now she is the only one who isn't fully funded. (Which means SIX of us are. Praise God!) She is $3,000 from the final deadline which has already passed. In order for Jessie to stay on the race she needs funds immediately.
Please check out her blogs to see how God is working in her and through her at www.jessieschwartz.theworldrace.org If you find it on your heart to donate you can do it there by clicking on the link that says “support me” on the left side of the screen. If you would like to give know that no amount is too big or too small! Also, if you would, please pass on this blog so others can be aware of her need. I thank you so much for your prayers for all of us.
